Positive impact of investment for income support at Morgan Academy

For every £1 invested in income maximisation support at Morgan Academy, an additional £32 was generated for local families.

The Council worked in partnership with the Improvement Service to assess the social return on investment of the Morgan Academy Financial Inclusion Support Project during the period between June 2023 and August 2024.

The project saw an investment of £31,000 to fund a dedicated Financial Inclusion Officer based in the school, providing parents, carers and staff with access to welfare rights advice, money guidance and energy advice.

The service also signposted people to housing and revenues services for Discretionary Housing Payments and to charities that could provide vouchers and white goods.

During the evaluation period, 229 parents and carers attended one or more advice sessions with the Council's Financial Inclusion Officer based at the school. The evaluation found that households experienced an increase in income after receiving advice.

In addition to the financial benefits, many people reported feeling less stressed or worried about their household income. Those who engaged with the service also reported improved family relationships and found it easier to access money and welfare advice.

Having a dedicated Financial Inclusion Officer based in the school meant that school staff were able to use their time and resources more effectively by focusing on their areas of expertise.

The Evaluative Social Return on Investment Analysis of Financial Inclusion Support in Dundee schools concluded that financial inclusion project delivered £32 for every £1 invested.

It stated: “Overall, the evidence suggests that the Morgan Academy financial inclusion support project represents an effective use of public investment.”

Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “This is a really positive evaluation that highlights the excellent value of this public investment, delivering significant benefits for local families. 

"We know it can be difficult to navigate issues around money, debt and energy costs. That's why having services like this available in the local community, where people can easily access the help they need, is so important.

"Reducing child poverty and tackling income inequality is a key priority for the council, and I'm delighted to see the positive impact this project has had. The evaluation by the Improvement Service shows that for every £1 invested in delivering this service through the school, an additional £32 was generated for families through income maximisation support."